Plants have been used medicinally for thousands of years in practically all human cultures, from the traditional medicine of ancient China to Ayurvedic remedies in India to Native American healing salves. Plant-based medicine has been a staple of healing in the ancient world, but there is a huge place for it even today. Still flourishing in a marketplace flooded by chemicals and pharmaceuticals, medicinal plants have irreplaceable roots in all human medicine. In fact, 80% of the….. Read more
Milk Thistle Benefits Milk thistle has been in use by herbalists for over 2,000 years in Europe. It’s primary function is protecting the liver and treating liver and gallbladder problems. This herb is also used to lower cholesterol, treat diabetes and reduce cancer cells in the breast, cervix and prostate. Many Herbalists recommend milk thistle for many types of cancer as it is a great blood detoxifier. Milk thistle contains about 20% protein by weight and includes many….. Read more
Cat’s Claw Benefits Cat’s Claw is a woody vine that grows in the rain forests of Peru and is often called “Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest” by the Peruvian natives. This herb has undergone quite a bit of medical research since the 1970’s. This research has shown that Cat’s claw may be helpful in treating a variety of conditions, such as bursitis, arthritis, lupus, Lyme disease, diabetes, cancer and various stomach problems. This herb is well known for it’s ability to….. Read more
Agrimony Benefits The use of Agrimony dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Its main use was as a gargle for sore throats. It is very effective at reducing pain and reducing inflammation. Many singers gargle with Agrimony tea before a performance as it helps sooth the throat. As it possesses antibacterial properties, another common use for this herb was for treating indigestion and diarrhea. Other uses of Agrimony include the treatment of bladder infections and arthritis…… Read more
The flaxseed plant (Linum Usitatissimum) is a great source of fiber. Scientific studies have proven that it has many health benefits due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and other essential fatty acids. Regularly taking flaxseed oil can maintain proper blood pressure, protect from heart disease and lower high cholesterol. If you have recently suffered from a heart attack, taking this oil could possibly prevent another one from happening. If you suffer from….. Read more
Facial acne can occur when the pores of this skin get clogged by dirt and oil. Bacteria easily grows in this dirt and oil, which causes an inflammatory reaction known as blackheads and whiteheads. Rather than use a prescription medicine, you may want to try to treat acne with all natural herbs first. There are several herbs that are known to be effective in fighting facial acne. Yellow dock, a herb from Europe was often used to treat constipation and or diarrhea. It is also known….. Read more
Burdock Benefits The Burdock plant is related to the Dandelion and Echinacea family. The seeds, greens and roots were used by the ancient Greeks as a medicine to heal many common ailments. The root is mainly used in today’s Burdock health supplements. This herb is mainly used for digestive and liver problems but also has some other health benefits, such as a skin cleanser to treat acne, treatment of urinary tract infections, to boost energy and stamina, treat ulcers, cleanse the….. Read more
Lycium Fruit Benefits Lycium Fruit, more commonly known as Goji berries or Wolfberry grows mainly in northwestern China and Tibet. These places have some of the purest, nutrient rich soil on earth. The Lycium plant has vines that grow up to fifteen feet long, with small red berries. Their taste is sweet and sour. The berries can be used for cooking, made into tea or just eaten right off the plant. Lycium fruit has been eaten in China for over five thousand….. Read more
For thousands of years, grapes have been heralded for their nutritional value as well as their use as a medicine. It is knows that the Egyptians consumed grapes over six thousand years ago. Yes, grapes have been around for a long time. They’re not only delicious, but also great for our health. But not just the fruit of the grape is used for it’s medicinal benefit. The vines and leaves also possess healing properties. An ointment made from grapevine sap was used by….. Read more
If you would like to look and feel a little younger, there are some herbs that just may help you do that. Some herbs have the ability to slow aging or at least reduce the effects of aging. There are herbs that can boost energy, make the skin and hair look younger and even improve memory. These are all important benefits for those of us over the age of 30 or 40. Not only can herbs make you look younger, they can also make you feel younger. Imagine having your energy and….. Read more
Eucalyptus is said to be one of the most useful trees on the planet. It’s name means “well covered” as it’s cap covers it’s flower before it buds. It is a tall tree that loves water. It’s very fast growing and can grow up to 400 feet tall. It can usually be found in damp areas and moist valleys of rich soil. For centuries, Eucalyptus has been used as a powerful expectorant and decongestant. For example, Vick’s is made from Eucalyptus oil. It is rubbed on the chest and back to….. Read more
Holy Basil Benefits Holy Basil is great for reducing depression, stress and anxiety. It promotes health and wellbeing and protects the mind and body in a very positive way. It is an adaptogen, meaning it brings balance to the entire body and protects it from stresses of all kinds. It increases strength, stamina and endurance and allows the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently while it promotes proper protein synthesis in the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is a very important….. Read more
The herb Chamomile has been in constant use for thousands of years. It has been used to treat a plethora of ailments and health troubles, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, gas, insomnia and even anxiety. Most of the time Chamomile is taken as a hot tea, but can also be used externally for skin problems, like lesions and hemorrhoids. The flowering tops are the part of the Chamomile plant that is used for it’s medicinal properties. These are what are used to make the healthy….. Read more
Bilberry Benefits For centuries, Bilberry has been used to treat blood disorders and vascular problems, such as angina, varicose veins and thrombosis. The berry’s high content of anthocyanin and flavonoids give strength to the capillaries while thinning the blood. Bilberry contains one of the most powerful antioxidants known to exist. This antioxidant called anthocyanin can improve the flow of blood to the nervous system, lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. It….. Read more
Gotu Kola Benefits Gotu Kola has been used historically for wound healing and to relieve congestion from upper respiratory infections and colds. It is also known for it’s ability to reduce fever too. Applied externally, people used it to treat herpes, sprains, fractures and snakebite. Before the time of prescription medicine, it was widely used by women as a form of birth control. Women who took the herb on a regular basis seemed to not get pregnant. This is one reason why….. Read more
Kava Kava Benefits This herb is used to help one relax and communicate better with those around them. It has many additional medicinal properties, including it’s use as a diuretic, anti-anxiety aid, and to fight urinary disorders. It’s also beneficial for fighting depression, fatigue, asthma, infections, arthritis and stomach upset. Taken in large amounts, the tonic induces a mild state of euphoria. While is does have sedative properties, it doesn’t induce the feeling of….. Read more
St. John’s Wort Benefits This herb has many amazing health benefits. It is known for it’s ability to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Though many people take prescription medicine for these problems, there is also a natural alternative to these drugs. St. John’s Wort is an effective treatment for mild depression and anxiety. It acts as a “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” (SSRI) just like prescription anti-depressants. Depression and….. Read more
Ginkgo Biloba Benefits Ginkgo Biloba works great for improving the blood flow to the brain and increasing oxygen to the brain cells. It’s used as an effective memory booster and cognitive enhancer. The loss of memory is many times caused by poor blood flow to the brain. Ginkgo Biloba enhances overall circulation and increases blood flow to the brain, as it has the ability to dilate blood vessels. Ginkgo can promote mental clarity and reduce reaction time. This it due to this….. Read more
Echinacea Benefits This herb works wonderfully for colds and flu. Drinking a tea made from echinacea can greatly reduce the severity and duration of these two illnesses. It’s also widely used for treating upper respiratory tract infections and sore throat. It’s also an effective anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibiotic and detoxifier. Echinacea is one of the most researched herbs in existence. Millions of people have used it to boost the immune system to help fight off viral,….. Read more
Ashwagandha Benefits In India, Ashwagandha is considered a powerful adaptogen. This means that is has a beneficial normalizing effect on the entire body. Ashwagandha is often used as a rejuvenator. It can also be used as a sedative, anti inflammatory, diuretic and to increase physical energy and endurance. It’s beneficial for colds and coughs, diabetes, ulcers, insomnia and Parkinson’s disease. It also protects the nervous system in a beneficial way. Ashwaganda is rich in….. Read more
